Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is a wonderful way to improve your health.

There are so many proven and natural methods for improving your health and Massage Therapy is usually overlooked. Many times Massage Therapy is seen as a “spa experience”, which it can be, however in actuality it is often used in clinical settings to affect significant change in many conditions you may be dealing with. Massage Therapy is especially beneficial when combined with other types of Therapy including Physical and Red Light Therapy. If you are looking for a proven method to naturally reduce your pain, improve your circulation, improve your flexibility and muscle tension, improve your sleep, and overall enhance your health and sense of well being, request an appointment with our Waco, TX Massage Therapists today!

What exactly is Massage Therapy?

The definition of Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the muscles and other soft tissues of the body (as by stroking, kneading, or rubbing with one or both hands or an instrument) by a Licensed Massage Therapist for therapeutic purposes to relieve pain, promote healing, and improve physical functioning.

There are many different types of Massage Therapy used for a variety of purposes and many can be combined during the same appointment for additional benefit. Below are several of the methods that our Massage Therapists use at Heart of Texas Physical Therapy:

Swedish Massage: The typical relaxation “spa experience” massage. This type of massage uses long strokes and light-to-firm pressure that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. This is an excellent option to reduce stress, anxiety, and muscle tension.

Sports Massage: This type of massage is great for people who are athletes or just lead a very demanding physical lifestyle. The focus of this type of massage is on the effects of higher impact physical activities on your joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The overall goal is to improve athletic performance.

Shiatsu Massage: This type of massage is traditionally thought to be rooted in ancient Japanese culture and means “finger pressure” however, be prepared for your Massage Therapist to use other bony landmarks such as elbows, knees, feet, and knuckles to really work into those tight muscles.

Percussion Massage: This type of massage technique has traditionally been applied through the hands of the Massage Therapist, however with the invention of percussion massage guns it has become much easier to target deep, difficult to reach tissues to stimulate increased blood flow to the treatment area.

Reflexology: Also known as ‘zone therapy’, is about applying different levels of pressure to your hands, feet and ears. Theoretically it is thought that these parts of your body are connected to certain organ and body systems. If you suffer from pain and discomfort associated with a medical condition, reflexology may be helpful.

Stretching: During stretching therapy the patient is typically actively engaged in the activity and participates with positioning and some resistance. Gentle pressure is applied to promote whole body relaxation and flexibility.

Aromatherapy Massage: During your massage, essential oils can be used by application on the skin as well as through a diffuser into the air to improve both physical and mental wellbeing by enhancing the therapeutic effects of the massage. There are many different types of oils that have very specific effects on the mind and body and your Massage Therapist can describe each of these for you at the time of your massage.

Deep Tissue Massage: Deep layers of muscle and the surrounding tissues are targeted with the aim of lengthening and relaxing deeper tissues in the body. This type of massage tends to be more intense and usually has a greater blood flow response which also aids in eliminating toxins from the body.

Trigger Point Massage: Muscle tissue has a tendency to develop more intense, localized areas of tension that leads to a small area of tension and spasm that feels like a lump or marble under the skin. This is typically referred to as a trigger point. Trigger points are usually very tender to direct pressure however afterwards can feel much better as the muscle tissue relaxes. You can also speak to one of our Physical Therapists about Dry Needling for trigger points.

Chair Massage: A chair massage involves sitting in an upright position. If you have difficulty tolerating laying on a table, most people can kneel in a specialized chair that relieves pressure points and also has a padded face cradle to support your head and chest. This way Massage Therapy is more accessible to many more people.

Pregnancy Massage: Pregnancy massage is a very gentle treatment focused on the aches and pains of expectant mothers, encouraging deep relaxation. Research by the University of Miami School of Medicine found Massage Therapy to be powerful for many of the issues associated with pregnancy, including anxiety, lack of sleep and back and leg pain.

What should I expect?

When you arrive you will have a brief form to sign and will be escorted to your treatment room where you will be given privacy to disrobe to your comfort level. You will have a pleasant conversation with your Massage Therapist to determine the best path to tailor your massage experience. Be sure to let your Massage Therapist know all of the aches and pains, stiffness, and stress that you may be experiencing as well as the goals that you wish to achieve from your massage. Contact Us Today at our Waco, TX facility to schedule an appointment at Heart of Texas Physical Therapy today and get started on your journey toward better health and wellness!